Modular food ingredient roller

ABSTRACT

Methods, systems, and apparatuses are disclosed for a modular food ingredient roller.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/531,308, filed on Sep. 6, 2011, which is incorporatedby reference herein in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Various food items are served in roll form. For example, sushi rolls,burritos, chimichangas, egg rolls, enchiladas, and spring rolls, just toname a few. However, forming these food items into rolls can bedifficult, especially when the roll material is delicate or variousingredients are utilized. While some food roller devices have beenavailable over the years, they are typically specific to a certain foodand limited in that they allow only the forming of rolls of a specificsize or shape.

What is needed is a food ingredient roller capable of forming variousfood rolls of various shapes and sizes as selected by a user of theroller.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a modular food ingredient roller apparatus isprovided, the apparatus comprising: a plurality of central slats eachcomprising at least one connection mechanism on a first side and atleast one connection mechanism on a second side, wherein the at leastone connection mechanism of a first central slat is configured toselectively pivotally connect to the at least one connection mechanismof a second central slat; a first end slat comprising at least oneconnection mechanism, wherein the at least one connection mechanism isconfigured to selectively pivotally connect to the at least oneconnection mechanism of a central slat; and a second end slat comprisingat least one connection mechanism, wherein the at least one connectionmechanism is configured to selectively pivotally connect to the at leastone connection mechanism of a central slat.

In another embodiment, a modular food ingredient roller system isprovided, the system comprising: a roller apparatus comprising: aplurality of central slats selectively pivotally connectable to oneanother, a first end slat and a second end slat each selectivelypivotally connectable to at least one of the plurality of central slats;and a frame apparatus comprising an inner wall and an outer wall,wherein the inner wall comprises a height, and wherein the outer wallcomprises a plurality of tab portions extending from the frame apparatusand configured to engage at least two edges of the roller apparatus.

In another embodiment, a modular food ingredient roller system isprovided, the system comprising: a roller apparatus comprising: aplurality of central slats selectively pivotally connectable to oneanother, a first end slat and a second end slat each selectivelypivotally connectable to at least one of the plurality of central slats;and a roll cutting guide apparatus comprising a plurality of slitssubstantially evenly spaced and configured to accept a knife for slicingof a roll.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying figures, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate various example apparatuses,systems, and methods, and are used merely to illustrate various exampleembodiments.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example arrangement of a modular food ingredientroller system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example arrangement of a modular food ingredientroller system.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example arrangement of a modular food ingredientroller apparatus.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example arrangement of a base apparatus for amodular food ingredient roller system.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example arrangement of a modular food ingredientroller system.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example arrangement of a roll cutting guideapparatus.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example arrangement of a rice paddle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a food ingredient roller system 100. Roller system100 may include a modular food ingredient roller apparatus 102comprising a plurality of central slats 104. Roller apparatus 102 mayadditionally comprise one or more grasping portions 106 extending fromone or more ends of roller apparatus 102. Roller system 100 mayadditionally comprise a base apparatus 108 and one or more end caps 109.

End caps 109 may be configured to maintain roller apparatus 102 in asubstantially cylindrical shape. In one embodiment, end caps 109 areconfigured to maintain roller apparatus 102 in a substantiallycylindrical shape for presentation and/or storage of roller apparatus102. In another embodiment, roller apparatus 102 defines a centralinterior cavity when formed into a substantially cylindrical shape, andend caps 109 are configured to close off the central interior cavity soas to allow any of various small items or tools to be stored within thecentral interior cavity. End caps 109 may include notches, and graspingportions 106 may extend through the notches to assist in keeping rollerapparatus 102 in a substantially cylindrical shape. End caps 109 mayinclude an interior groove to accept the edge of roller apparatus 102 toassist in keeping roller apparatus 102 in a substantially cylindricalshape.

In one embodiment, end caps 109 comprise a substantially cylindricalwall (not illustrated) and a flat bottom portion, such that end caps 109may be removed from roller apparatus 102 and used as a vessel to containany of food ingredients, sauces, tools, etc. End caps 109 may be formedof any of a number of materials, including an organic material (e.g.,wood), a polymer, a metal, and a composite.

FIG. 2 illustrates a food ingredient roller system 200. Roller system200 may include a modular food ingredient roller apparatus 202comprising a plurality of central slats 204. Roller apparatus 202 mayadditionally comprise one or more grasping portions 206 extending fromone or more ends of roller apparatus 202. Roller system 200 mayadditionally comprise a base apparatus 208. Roller apparatus 202 maycomprise a first end slat 210 and a second end slat 212, which in oneembodiment include grasping portions 206. First end slat 210 maycomprise at least one connection mechanism 214. Second end slat 212 maycomprise at least one connection mechanism 216.

In one embodiment, roller apparatus 202 comprises a plurality of centralslats 204 each comprising at least one connection mechanism on a firstside and at least one connection mechanism on a second side. In anotherembodiment, the at least one connection mechanism of a first centralslat 204 is configured to selectively pivotally connect to the at leastone connection mechanism of a second central slat 204.

Central slats 204 may comprise substantially flat bodies having a widththat makes up the entire width of roller apparatus 202. In oneembodiment, central slats 204 comprise a width of less than about 12 in.In another embodiment, central slats 204 comprise a width between about4 in. and about 10 in. In another embodiment, central slats 204 comprisea width between about 6 in. and about 9 in. In another embodiment,central slats 204 comprise a width between about 8 in. and 9 in. Centralslats 204 may comprise a length that makes up a portion of the entirelength of roller apparatus 202. In one embodiment, central slats 204comprise a length of less than about 2 in. In another embodiment,central slats 204 comprise a length between about 0.25 in. and about 1.5in. In another embodiment, central slats 204 comprise a length betweenabout 0.375 in. and about 1.0 in. In another embodiment, central slats204 comprise a length between about 0.5 in. and about 0.75 in. Centralslats 204 may comprise a thickness that makes up the enter thickness ofroller apparatus 202. In one embodiment, central slats 204 comprise athickness of less than about 0.5 in. In another embodiment, centralslats 204 comprise a thickness between about 0.0625 in. and about 0.375in. In another embodiment, central slats 204 comprise a thicknessbetween about 0.1 in. and about 0.2 in.

In one embodiment, a plurality of central slats 204 may be linkedtogether to form a chain of central slats 204, which may make up aportion of the entire length of roller apparatus 202. The plurality ofcentral slats 204 may be pivotally connected with one another such thatone central slat 204 may pivot relative to an adjacent central slat 204about an axis that is axially aligned with the at least one connectionmechanism of each central slat 204 that selectively connect the adjacentcentral slats 204. In one embodiment, a plurality of central slats 204may be pivotally connected to form a chain of central slats 204 suchthat the chain of central slats 204 may be formed into a variety ofshapes including a substantially cylindrical shape (illustrated as 102in FIG. 1). In another embodiment, a plurality of central slats 204 maybe pivotally connected to form a chain of central slats 204 such thatthe chain of central slats 204 may be formed into a variety of shapeshaving any of a variety of cross sections, including a substantiallycircular cross section, a substantially elliptical cross section, asubstantially oval cross section, a substantially semi-circular crosssection, a substantially pentagonal cross section, a substantiallyhexagonal cross section, a substantially heptagonal cross section, asubstantially octagonal cross section, a substantially nonagonal crosssection, and a substantially decagonal cross section. In one embodiment,greater or fewer central slats 204 may be linked to one another so as tocreate a roller apparatus cross section having a larger or smallerdiameter, respectively.

In another embodiment, greater or fewer central slats 204 may be linkedto one another so as to increase or decrease the entire length of rollerapparatus 202, respectively. In one embodiment, roller apparatus 202comprises at least four central slats 204.

In one embodiment, central slats 204 are removably connected to oneanother. In another embodiment, central slats 204 may be separated fromone another to facilitate easier cleaning and washing. In anotherembodiment, central slats 204 may be separated from one another forplacement into a silverware tray in a dishwasher for convenientcleaning.

First end slat 210 may have substantially similar qualities anddimensions as described above with respect to central slats 204. In oneembodiment, first end slat 210 comprises at least one connectionmechanism 214 extending from only one side. The at least one connectionmechanism 214 is configured to selectively connect to at least oneconnection mechanism of a central slat 204. In another embodiment, theat least one connection mechanism 214 is configured to pivotally connectto at least one connection mechanism of a central slat 204. In anotherembodiment, first end slat 210 may pivot relative to an adjacent centralslat 204 about an axis that is axially aligned with the at least oneconnection mechanism 214 and the at least one connection mechanism ofthe adjacent central slat 204.

First end slat 210 may comprise may comprise at least one graspingportion 206. In one embodiment, first end slat 210 comprises twograsping portions 206, wherein the first grasping portion 206 extendsfrom a first end of the first end slat 210 and the second graspingportion 206 extends from a second end of the first end slat 210.

Second end slat 212 may have substantially similar qualities anddimensions as described above with respect to central slats 204. In oneembodiment, second end slat 212 comprises at least one connectionmechanism 216 extending from only one side. The at least one connectionmechanism 216 is configured to selectively connect to at least oneconnection mechanism of a central slat 204. In another embodiment, theat least one connection mechanism 216 is configured to pivotally connectto at least one connection mechanism of a central slat 204. In anotherembodiment, second end slat 212 may pivot relative to an adjacentcentral slat 204 about an axis that is axially aligned with the at leastone connection mechanism 216 and the at least one connection mechanismof the adjacent central slat 204.

Second end slat 212 may comprise may comprise at least one graspingportion 206. In one embodiment, second end slat 212 comprises twograsping portions 206, wherein the first grasping portion 206 extendsfrom a first end of the second end slat 212 and the second graspingportion 206 extends from a second end of the second end slat 212.

Each of central slats 204, first end slat 210 and second end slat 212may be formed of a variety of materials, including an organic material(e.g., wood), a polymer, a metal, and a composite.

In one embodiment, roller apparatus 202 a plurality of central slats204, a first end slat 210, and a second end slat 212 that can be formedinto a substantially cylindrical orientation. In one embodiment, rollerapparatus 202 in a substantially cylindrical orientation may comprise acylindrical diameter between about 0.5 in. and about 5.0 in. In anotherembodiment, roller apparatus 202 in a substantially cylindricalorientation may comprise a cylindrical diameter between about 0.75 in.and about 4.0 in. In another embodiment, roller apparatus 202 in asubstantially cylindrical orientation may comprise a cylindricaldiameter between about 1.0 in. and about 3.0 in.

In one embodiment, a user may select the number of central slats 204used in roller apparatus 202 for the specific size of roll to be made.Alternatively, the full roller apparatus 202 can be utilized andoverlapped upon itself. It is not required that first end slat 210 andsecond end slat 212 end adjacent to one another during rolling of a foodarticle. That is, if a smaller roll is desired, then first end slat 210and second end slat 212 can extend past one another as roller apparatus202 is overlapped upon itself.

FIG. 3 illustrates a portion of a roller apparatus 302. Roller apparatus302 comprises a plurality of central slats 304. Each of central slats304 comprises at least one connection mechanism 318 on a first side, andat least one connection mechanism 320 on a second side. At least one ofcentral slats 304 may comprise an anchor portion 322 extendingsubstantially normally from a surface of central slat 304.

In one embodiment, connection mechanism 318 comprises an elongated shaftextending substantially parallel to an edge of central slat 304.Connection mechanism 318 may extend along the entire width of centralslat 304 or along only a segment of the width of central slat 304. Theelongated shaft may be formed of a variety of materials, including anorganic material (e.g., wood), a polymer, a metal, and a composite.

In one embodiment, connection mechanism 320 comprises a hooked memberconfigured to clip over the elongated shaft of connection mechanism 318.Connection mechanism 320 may extend along the entire width of centralslat 304 or along only a segment of the width of central slat 304. Thehooked member may be formed of a variety of materials, including anorganic material (e.g., wood), a polymer, a metal, and a composite. Inanother embodiment, the hooked member is an integral part of centralslat 304 and is formed of the same material as central slat 304.

In one embodiment, each of central slats 304 comprise connectionmechanism 318 oriented on a first side and connection mechanism 320oriented on a second side. In one embodiment, first end slat and secondend slat each comprise one of connection mechanism 318 or connectionmechanism 320. In another embodiment, first end slat comprisesconnection mechanism 318 and second end slat comprises connectionmechanism 320.

Connection mechanism 318 and connection mechanism 320 may comprise anyof a variety of connection mechanisms configured to allow pivotalconnection of elements, including a hinge pin and socket, screws, aresilient connector, string, cable, chain, and hook.

Anchor portion 322 may be configured to selectively engage at least oneof a rolling anchor slot and a storage anchor slot of a base apparatus.Anchor portion 322 may be formed of a variety of materials, including anorganic material (e.g., wood), a polymer, a metal, and a composite. Inone embodiment, anchor portion 322 is an integral part of central slat304 and is formed of the same material as central slat 304. In oneembodiment, anchor portion 322 may extend from any of central slats 304.In another embodiment, anchor portion 322 extends from central slat 304directly adjacent to one of the first end slat and the second end slat.In another embodiment, anchor portion 322 extends from central slat 304that is substantially centrally located in the plurality of centralslats 304.

FIG. 4 illustrates a base apparatus 408. Base apparatus 408 comprises aplurality of legs 424. Base apparatus 408 may include end rolling anchorslots 426, a center rolling anchor slot 428, and a storage anchor slot430.

Base apparatus 408 may comprise a plurality of legs 424. In oneembodiment, base apparatus 408 is substantially rectangular andcomprises a leg 424 at each corner of base apparatus 408. In anotherembodiment, base apparatus 408 comprises a leg 424 substantiallycentrally oriented extending from the underside of base apparatus 408.Legs 424 may be configured to raise base apparatus 408 and the rollerapparatus off the surface upon which base apparatus 408 rests so as tofacilitate the ability to grasp the roller apparatus from below theroller apparatus.

In one embodiment, during operation, the roller apparatus is laid uponthe upper surface of base apparatus 408. The anchor portion of one ofthe plurality of central slats is inserted into one of end rollinganchor slots 426 and center rolling anchor slot 428. In one embodiment,engaging the anchor portion to one of end rolling anchor slots 426 andcenter rolling anchor slot 428 temporarily selectively connects theroller apparatus to base apparatus 408 so as to assist in preventingunwanted shifting or movement of the roller apparatus during its use.

In one embodiment, during presentation or storage, the roller apparatusis oriented into a substantially cylindrical shape upon the uppersurface of base apparatus 408. The anchor portion of one of theplurality of central slats is inserted into the storage anchor slot 430.Inserting the anchor portion of one of the plurality of central slatsinto the storage anchor slot 430 temporarily selectively connects theroller apparatus to base portion 408 so as to prevent the rollerapparatus from rolling or sliding off of base portion 408 duringpresentation or storage.

Base apparatus 408 may be formed of a variety of materials, including anorganic material (e.g., wood), a polymer, a metal, and a composite.

FIG. 5 illustrates a food ingredient roller system 500. Roller system500 may include a modular food ingredient roller apparatus 502comprising a plurality of central slats 504. Roller apparatus 502 mayadditionally comprise one or more grasping portions 506 extending fromone or more ends of roller apparatus 502. Roller system 500 mayadditionally comprise a base apparatus 508. Roller apparatus 502 maycomprise a first end slat 510 and a second end slat 512, which in oneembodiment include grasping portions 506. Roller system 500 may includea frame apparatus 532, comprising an outer wall comprising a pluralityof tab portions 534, an inner wall 536 and a window 537.

In one embodiment frame apparatus 532 is configured to be placed overroller apparatus 502. In one embodiment, tab portions 534 extend fromframe apparatus 532 and are configured to engage at least two edges ofroller apparatus 502. Tab portions 534 may be configured to assist inkeeping frame apparatus 532 from shifting or sliding relative to rollerapparatus 502.

In one embodiment, inner wall 536 comprises a height. The height ofinner wall 536 may act as a guide to indicate the appropriate thicknessof a food article spread upon roller apparatus 502. In anotherembodiment, inner wall 536 acts as a guide to indicate the appropriatecoverage area of a food article spread upon roller apparatus 502. Forexample, the food article may comprise rice, wherein a user of rollerapparatus 502 may apply rice within frame apparatus 532 until the riceis substantially level with the height of inner wall 536, thusindicating the appropriate thickness for the rice. In another example,the food article may comprise rice being applied to a sushi nuri sheet.The nuri sheet may be laid upon roller apparatus 502 substantially evenwith the edges of roller apparatus 502. Frame apparatus 532 may beplaced over the nuri sheet, after which rice is applied within thebounds of inner wall 536 of frame apparatus 532 to provide appropriatecoverage area of the rice upon the nuri sheet while leaving the nurisheet devoid of rice in the necessary portions.

In one embodiment, frame apparatus 532 comprises a window 537 extendingsubstantially along one edge. Window 537 may comprise a narrow channelin frame apparatus 532 to allow a user to visually inspect the areabeneath frame apparatus 532 at that point. In one embodiment, window 537is accompanied by the term “TOP” to indicate to a user that that edge offrame apparatus 532 should be oriented at the “top” edge of rollerapparatus 502 when a user is looking down on roller apparatus 502 andframe apparatus 532 from above. Window 537 may comprise a narrow channelin frame apparatus 532 to allow a user to visually verify that a rollingwrapper is properly positioned relative to frame apparatus 532. Forexample, the food article may comprise rice being applied to a sushinuri sheet. The nuri sheet may be laid upon roller apparatus 502substantially even with the edges of roller apparatus 502. Frameapparatus 532 may be placed over the nuri sheet. A user may visuallyverify that the nuri sheet is lined up relative to frame apparatus 532such that the nuri sheet is not visible through window 537. Use ofwindow 537 in such a manner may ensure that after rice is placed uponthe nuri sheet, the nuri sheet is devoid of rice in the necessaryportions.

Frame apparatus 532 may be formed of a variety of materials, includingan organic material (e.g., wood), a polymer, a metal, and a composite.

FIG. 6 illustrates a roll cutting guide apparatus 638. Roll cuttingguide apparatus 638 comprises a plurality of slits 640 segmenting hookedportions 642 of roll cutting guide apparatus 638. Roll cutting guideapparatus 638 also includes a foundation portion 644 that ties each ofhooked portions 642 together in a single unit. Roll cutting guideapparatus 638 may additionally comprise a substantially hollow cavity646 within which a rolled food article may be placed.

Roll cutting guide apparatus 638 may comprise a plurality of slits 640.Plurality of slits 640 may be substantially evenly spaced and configuredto accept a knife for slicing a roll placed within hollow cavity 646. Inone embodiment, substantially hollow cavity 646 is orientedlongitudinally along the length of roll cutting guide apparatus 638,while slits 640 are oriented substantially transversely to the rollcutting guide apparatus 638 and any roll placed within hollow cavity646. In this manner, roll cutting guide apparatus 638 may be used to cuta rolled food article into any number of possible pieces as dictated bythe number of slits 640. In one embodiment, roll cutting guide apparatus638 comprises seven slits to cut a rolled food article into eightsegments.

Hooked portions 642 may be comprised of a resilient material, such thathooked portions 642 may be depressed by a user to contact the rolledfood article in hollow cavity 646 to assist in keeping a rolled foodarticle in place relative to roll cutting guide apparatus 638. In oneembodiment, hooked portions 642 may be resilient so as to flex out ofthe way during placement of a knife within slit 640 for cutting a rolledfood article.

Roll cutting guide apparatus 638 may be formed of any of a number ofmaterials, including an organic material (e.g., wood), a polymer, ametal, and a composite.

FIG. 7 illustrates a rice paddle 748 comprising a handle portion 750 anda scoop portion 752. Scoop portion may be covered with a plurality ofprominent bumps 754 to more effectively spread adhesive food articles,such as sticky sushi rice. Bumps 754 assist in grabbing and spreadingthe adhesive ingredients while assisting in preventing adhesive foodarticles from adhering to scoop portion 752, and while assisting indisconnecting adhesive food articles (e.g., rice) from one another so asto avoid clumps of the food article.

Rice paddle 748 may be formed of any of a number of materials, includingan organic material (e.g., wood), a polymer, a metal, and a composite.

EXAMPLE 1

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 1-7, food ingredient rollersystem 100 is used for making sushi rolls by the following steps:

1) Remove end caps 109 from roller apparatus 102 and roll open rollerapparatus 102;

2) Turn roller apparatus 102 90 degrees relative to base apparatus 108.Select the number of central slats 204 preferred for the size of roll tobe made. Alternatively, the full roller apparatus 202 can be utilizedand overlapped upon itself. It is not required that first end slat 210and second end slat 212 end adjacent to one another during rolling of afood article. That is, if a smaller roll is desired, then first end slat210 and second end slat 212 can extend past one another as rollerapparatus 202 is overlapped upon itself.

3) Insert anchor portion 322 into one of end rolling anchor slots 426and center rolling anchor slot 428 and lay roller apparatus 202 flatonto base apparatus 208.

4) Place a nuri sheet or any other rolling wrapper onto roller apparatus202.

5) Place frame apparatus 532 onto roller apparatus 502 and the nurisheet. Ensure that window 537 does not show any of the nuri sheet toensure proper alignment of the nuri sheet.

6) Spread rice within frame apparatus 532, to a thickness that issubstantially aligned with the height of inner wall 536, and over anarea as defined by inner wall 536. Paddle 748 may be used to spread therice.

7) Once the rice is evenly spread, remove frame apparatus 532. Moistenthe portion of the nuri sheet that was oriented at the “top” of rollerapparatus 502. Moistening this portion will cause the nuri sheet tostick to itself and hold the roll closed.

8) Place the desired food ingredients onto the rice. For a larger rolluse more ingredients. For a smaller roll use less ingredients.

9) The user will grab beneath roller apparatus 202 closest to the userand begin to roll the roller apparatus 202.

10) The user will bring the second end slat 212 over the roll andtighten with his fingers. This will form the first few slats of rollerapparatus 202 into a substantially semi-circular shape.

11) The user will pull second end slat 212 toward first end slat 210,while the nuri sheet and ingredients roll up within roller apparatus202. The user will continue to roll until the user reaches the end ofthe nuri sheet.

12) The user will squeeze roller apparatus 202 to ensure that the sushiroll is appropriately sealed to itself.

13) Remove the roll from roller apparatus 202 and place roll cuttingguide apparatus 638 over the roll, such that the roll is within thehollow cavity 646.

14) Insert a knife at least one of slits 640 to cut the roll intovarious pieces. It may be desired to insert a knife into each of slits640 so as to cut the roll into eight individual pieces that are ofsimilar dimensions.

To the extent that the term “includes” or “including” is used in thespecification or the claims, it is intended to be inclusive in a mannersimilar to the term “comprising” as that term is interpreted whenemployed as a transitional word in a claim. Furthermore, to the extentthat the term “or” is employed (e.g., A or B) it is intended to mean “Aor B or both.” When the applicants intend to indicate “only A or B butnot both” then the term “only A or B but not both” will be employed.Thus, use of the term “or” herein is the inclusive, and not theexclusive use. See Bryan A. Garner, A Dictionary of Modern Legal Usage624 (2 d. Ed. 1995). Also, to the extent that the terms “in” or “into”are used in the specification or the claims, it is intended toadditionally mean “on” or “onto.” To the extent that the term“selectively” is used in the specification or the claims, it is intendedto refer to a condition of a component wherein a user of the apparatusmay activate or deactivate the feature or function of the component asis necessary or desired in use of the apparatus. To the extent that theterm “operatively connected” is used in the specification or the claims,it is intended to mean that the identified components are connected in away to perform a designated function. To the extent that the term“horizontal” or “vertical” is used in the specification or the claims,it is intended to mean that the identified components are substantiallyhorizontal or substantially vertical, respectively, when installed in ahuman that is standing in an upright position. As used in thespecification and the claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the”include the plural. Finally, where the term “about” is used inconjunction with a number, it is intended to include ±10% of the number.In other words, “about 10” may mean from 9 to 11.

As stated above, while the present application has been illustrated bythe description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments havebeen described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of theapplicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appendedclaims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications willreadily appear to those skilled in the art, having the benefit of thepresent application. Therefore, the application, in its broader aspects,is not limited to the specific details, illustrative examples shown, orany apparatus referred to. Departures may be made from such details,examples, and apparatuses without departing from the spirit or scope ofthe general inventive concept.

1. A modular food ingredient roller apparatus, comprising: a pluralityof central slats each comprising at least one connection mechanism on afirst side and at least one connection mechanism on a second side,wherein the at least one connection mechanism of a first central slat isconfigured to selectively pivotally connect to the at least oneconnection mechanism of a second central slat; a first end slatcomprising at least one connection mechanism, wherein the at least oneconnection mechanism is configured to selectively pivotally connect tothe at least one connection mechanism of a central slat; and a secondend slat comprising at least one connection mechanism, wherein the atleast one connection mechanism is configured to selectively pivotallyconnect to the at least one connection mechanism of a central slat. 2.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one central slat comprises ananchor portion extending substantially normally from a surface of thecentral slat.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the anchor portion isconfigured to selectively engage a base apparatus.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the first end slat and the second endslat comprise at least one grasping portion.
 5. The apparatus of claim4, wherein the first end slat and the second end slat comprise twograsping portions, wherein a first grasping portion extends from a firstend of the first end slat and the second end slat and a second graspingportion extends from a second end of the first end slat and the secondend slat.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the plurality of centralslats, the first end slat, and the second end slat can be formed into asubstantially cylindrical orientation, and wherein the substantiallycylindrical orientation can comprise a cylindrical diameter betweenabout 1.0 in. and about 3.0 in.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theplurality of central slats comprise at least four central slats.
 8. Amodular food ingredient roller system, comprising: a roller apparatuscomprising: a plurality of central slats selectively pivotallyconnectable to one another, a first end slat and a second end slat eachselectively pivotally connectable to at least one of the plurality ofcentral slats; and a frame apparatus comprising an inner wall and anouter wall, wherein the inner wall comprises a height, and wherein theouter wall comprises a plurality of tab portions extending from theframe apparatus and configured to engage at least two edges of theroller apparatus.
 9. The system of claim 8, further comprising a baseapparatus.
 10. The system of claim 8, further comprising a roll cuttingguide apparatus comprising a plurality of slits substantially evenlyspaced and configured to accept a knife for slicing of a roll.
 11. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the height of the inner wall of the frameapparatus acts as a guide to indicate the appropriate thickness of afood article spread upon the roller apparatus.
 12. The system of claim8, wherein the inner wall of the frame apparatus acts as a guide toindicate the appropriate coverage area of a food article spread upon theroller apparatus.
 13. The system of claim 8, wherein the frame apparatusfurther comprises a window extending substantially along one edge,wherein the window is configured to indicate the appropriate position ofa sheet food article placed upon the roller apparatus.
 14. A modularfood ingredient roller system, comprising: a roller apparatuscomprising: a plurality of central slats selectively pivotallyconnectable to one another, a first end slat and a second end slat eachselectively pivotally connectable to at least one of the plurality ofcentral slats; and a roll cutting guide apparatus comprising a pluralityof slits substantially evenly spaced and configured to accept a knifefor slicing of a roll.
 15. The system of claim 14, further comprising abase apparatus.
 16. The system of claim 14, further comprising a frameapparatus comprising an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein the innerwall comprises a height, and wherein the outer wall comprises aplurality of tab portions extending from the frame apparatus andconfigured to engage at least two edges of the roller apparatus.
 17. Thesystem of claim 16, wherein the height of the inner wall of the frameapparatus acts as a guide to indicate the appropriate thickness of afood article spread upon the roller apparatus.
 18. The system of claim16, wherein the inner wall of the frame apparatus acts as a guide toindicate the appropriate coverage area of a food article spread upon theroller apparatus.
 19. The system of claim 16, wherein the frameapparatus further comprises a window extending substantially along oneedge, wherein the window is configured to indicate the appropriateposition of a sheet food article placed upon the roller apparatus. 20.The system of claim 14, wherein the roll cutting guide apparatuscomprises a substantially hollow cavity within which a roll may beplaced, and wherein the plurality of slits are configured substantiallytransversely to the roll.